Mahaneela is a dynamic and multifaceted artist whose early passion for photography and filmmaking set the stage for a luminous creative career. Growing up in a family steeped in visual and musical arts, she draws inspiration from her rich multicultural heritage—encompassing South Asian, Caribbean, and African elements—to create narratives that resonate across global audiences.

Renowned for her distinctive work as a director and photographer, Mahaneela has collaborated with leading companies like Nike, Google, Apple, and Meta. Her ability to seamlessly integrate the worlds of music and visuals is highlighted by her partnerships with prestigious record labels such as XL Recordings, Young Turks, and Sony Music. Through her lens, she has captured the essence of musical innovators like Sampha, The xx, FKA Twigs, and Grammy Award-winners Wizkid & Steve Lacy.

Her innovative storytelling has adorned the pages of publications including I-D Magazine, The Fader, Schon Magazine, Vogue and Dazed. Celebrated for her inclusive approach, Vogue India hailed her as a visionary with an "endless reservoir of creative ideas." Mahaneela's personal projects often delve into the diverse experiences of people of color, employing intimate portraiture and cinematic narratives to offer a window into the vibrancy of various cultures.

Mahaneela's directorial prowess was first showcased in her music video for Denai Moore, which premiered on The Fader and earned a nomination for a Shiny Award. Her debut short film, "Kindred," was featured at the Tate Modern as part of the 'Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power' exhibition and is currently included in global showcases such as Aperture's "The New Black Vanguard" exhibition curated by Antwaun Sargeant.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Mahaneela has managed artists such as Denai Moore and FKA Twigs, drawing on her extensive experience to guide their creative and professional trajectories. She is the founder of COZY, a creative production company that has produced diverse content for notable platforms like the Sundance Film Festival in 2022, underscoring her role as a leading creative strategist.

As a self-taught artist deeply committed to mentorship, Mahaneela partners with esteemed entities like D&AD, Google, Dropbox, Creative Review, and It's Nice That to support and empower emerging Black and Brown creatives. Her efforts were recognized when she was named a mentor in Google's Image Equity fellowship in 2022, a partnership aimed at fostering diversity in the creative industry.

Mahaneela's impact on the creative and music industries earned her a coveted spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023. Her recent invitation to join the Grammy Voting Academy further solidifies her role in influencing the future of music. Additionally, as a TEDx speaker, she continues to share her profound insights and experiences, inspiring a new generation of artists and thinkers.